If you are tired of winter and ready for spring, now’s the time to put together some fun outings for when the weather breaks. You might also be looking for something to (temporarily) replace the distraction and interruptions caused by cell phones, iPods, and other electronic media.
Care to step back into the past with the Jackson County Historical Society? Books offered through Jackson County Historical Society bookshop might interest those who appreciate local history and its preservation. Here are highlights of a few of the newest releases:
Have you ever wondered who were the settlers who migrated to and lived and died in Jackson County between 1826 and 1876, the first 50 years of Jackson County’s development? Their names might appear in a new book published by the Historical Society. In recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the Kansas City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution publication, “Vital Historical Records, Jackson County, Missouri, 1826-1876,” the Historical Society re-indexed the 1934 tome so that every name and subject may be easily located. It’s a valuable resource often accessed by researchers looking into Jackson County pioneers.
The book is a compilation of tombstone inscriptions, and transcriptions from early church records naming many of the area’s earliest settlers (and slaves). More than that, it reveals just how many small pioneer cemeteries are dotted throughout Jackson County and await the loving care… or even the notice of a casual passer-by. Imagine the stories that might be told by those citizens who led lives so long ago. Beyond a weathered slab of granite or marble, descendants might have materials to share for posterity.
Vital Historical Records also includes a few interesting stories not found elsewhere. One that comes to mind is origin of the story of the famous song, “In the Baggage Coach Ahead,” that was set to music and published in 1896 by Gussie L. Davis (see the Examiner’s Historical Perspective column, “Old tale follows a family,” October 25, 2008). Another bit of history includes some first-hand recollections of one of the earliest Catholic leaders in our area, Father Bernard Donnelly, who kept rather meticulous records; his writings were transcribed into Vital Historical Records.
Two related titles include: “Jackson County Pioneers,” vignettes of early history by Pearl Wilcox; and “Conserving Missouri’s Cemeteries,” a worthwhile handbook for those seeking to preserve an old burial ground. There are tips on what you can do (and what not to do) when you find a sacred space in need of help.
